Universal USB charging accessory

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for supplying power to electronic devices, comprising a housing, an electric power source connector coupled to the housing, an electronic circuit enclosed in the housing and electrically coupled to the power source connector, and a universal serial bus connector coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, wherein the connector is capable of supplying electrical power to one or more electronic devices for battery charging. The electronic circuit is capable of controlling the charging of the batteries of more than one device and can be enabled to provide data communication between data devices. The apparatus may receive power from a utility power outlet or from another electronic device through the USB connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of recharging battery-poweredelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the number of small, portable, electronic devices in daily use havemultiplied, so too have the devices used to charge the batteries ofthese devices. Each new device seems to arrive from the store with arecharging unit, or “brick,” in the sales package.

Many modern portable electronic devices are capable of processing data.There are even complete personal area networks comprised entirely ofdevices that are solely powered by internal batteries.

Such useful devices are commonly found in use by those travelling in theemployment of technology concerns. Engineers in high tech often findthemselves working in a hotel room with an array of devices, such as alaptop computer, a printer, a scanner and sometimes a cellular phone,all linked together into a personal area network and connected to theinternet. Frequently, the same devices that can be linked together bydata cables need to link to utility power through their respectiverecharging units. The result of this need is the requirement that thetravelling “road warrior” carries an ever enlarging array of rechargingunits and cables.

Most modern computers are capable of communicating with peripheraldevices by use of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. The USBoffers both high speed serial data communication between a wide varietyof peripheral and communicating devices as well as a power connectionfor some devices. Since some portable devices, such as personal dataassistants, can accept power through the same USB port through whichthey communicate to a host computer, a number of devices have begun toemerge with recharging units that recharge through a USB-type port andthe devices data cable. However, these devices require a specificrecharging unit for each unit being recharged and, when using thissystem, cannot simultaneously be in communication via the same cable.

Prior art FIG. 1 illustrates a situation encountered often by the moderntechnology user. A user of more than one modern electronic devicecurrently needs a separate device for powering and recharging theinternal battery of each of the necessary devices in use. Laptopcomputer 101, for example, requires power supply 111 and its associatedcable. Portable handheld computer 105, which here can also mean apersonal data assistant (PDA), requires power supply and cable 115.Cellular phone 106 requires charger 116 and calculator 107 requirescharger 117. Even electric razor 108 can have an internal, rechargeable,battery and thus require recharger 118. The result of the need formultiple power supplies, especially when travelling, is a tangle ofcables and an array of power supplies whose population equals the numberof useful devices carried and used.

What is required is an apparatus or system that can reduce the need formultiple charging systems in a suite of portable electronic devices.Such an apparatus should be able to charge a wide variety and largenumber of electronic devices and should use existing mechanical andelectrical hardware to a large extent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device power and recharge apparatus that uses thepower output capability of the universal serial bus port to providedevice power to a large number and variety of electronic devices. Thepower and recharge apparatus can simultaneously allow for datacommunication through the same port and perform as a hub for a personalarea network when connected to the appropriate devices. The power andrecharge apparatus can take power from computer ports as well as fromutility power sources.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to using a dedicatedcharging USB hub-device to charge a portable electronic device using astandard electrical and mechanical interface. This plug-intransformer/hub may be used in conjunction with any notebook or desktopcomputer and various other USB devices. The travelling user can equiphimself with several USB charging cables for his small rechargeablegadgets, which can recharge his cellular phone, or other similarproducts available for handheld devices. When travelling light, the userneed only carry his USB charger cables and his notebook computer. Thenotebook computer can recharge any or all of his other devices. If apersonal area network hub is needed, the user can also use the plug-intransformer/hub. The hub need not be plugged in since the notebook canprovide power to each device. If the user happens to be located near autility power outlet, then the transformer/hub can be plugged into thewall, and the USB recharger cables connected to the devices which needto be recharged. The notebook computer need not be connected, since theUSB cables and the transformer/hub can be used solely to recharge thedevices.

More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to anapparatus for supplying power to electronic devices, comprising ahousing, an electric power source connector coupled to the housing, anelectronic circuit enclosed in the housing and electrically coupled tothe power source connector, and a universal serial bus connector coupledto the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit,wherein the connector is capable of supplying electrical power to one ormore electronic devices for battery charging. The electronic circuit iscapable of controlling the charging of the batteries of more than onedevice and can be enabled to provide data communication between datadevices. The apparatus may receive power from a utility power outlet orfrom another electronic device through one of the USB connectors.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having readthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments whichare illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation and components of this invention can be best visualized byreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 (prior art) illustrates an array of portable battery-powereddevices and their recharging devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a physical embodiment of a portable computer systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cradle for a hard-wired connection of a typicalportable computing device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a universal serial bus pin-out in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a personal area network in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a universal, portable, recharging apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a universal, portable, recharging apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a universal, portable, recharging apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an application of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an application of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an application of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block flow diagram in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the presentinvention.

An exemplary handheld portable computing device, 105, is illustrated inFIG. 2. Sometimes known as a personal data assistant (PDA) it ispresented here as an example of the type of device that can be poweredby rechargeable batteries and also require data communication. Typicalhandheld portable computing device 105 has a power switch 202, analphanumeric input element 203, a display element 204, a batterycompartment 205 and some form of stylus, 206, or other means forinterfacing with alphanumeric input element 203. A typical handheldportable computing device can also include a device for wirelesslycommunicating data, with networks or other computing devices, such asinfrared transmitter/receiver 207 and RF transmitting antenna 208. Ahandheld portable computing device also typically has a connector, 209,that allows it to communicate data via a cable to a host computer.

The wired communication that is often found between a typical handheldportable computing device, such as a personal data assistant, and a hostcomputer is often enabled by a cradle device such as is shown in FIG. 3.There, cradle 301 holds the handheld portable computing device, which isnot shown, while it communicates with a host computer via connector 302and serial data cable 303. Communication with the host computer can alsobe performed wirelessly.

The embodiments of the present invention discussed herein relate to amethod and a system for recharging rechargeable electronic devices. Theelectronic devices can be any rechargeable electrical or electronicdevice that uses a rechargeable battery and can be recharged using powerat voltages commonly available or derived from Universal Serial Bus(USB) connectors.

A universal serial bus connector pin-out is illustrated in FIG. 4. Maleconnector 403, as do all universal serial bus connectors, comprises fourconducting pins. Pin 1, at 411, supplies Vcc power, typically +5 voltsDC. Pin 2, at 412, is the negative data connection pin and pin 3, at413, is the positive data connection pin. Pin 4, at 414, supplies agrounding connector. All the pins are contained within housing 410 whichis a grounded shield.

Female connector 404 is also contained within a shielding housing, 420.In the female connector, the pins, 1 at 421, 2 at 422, 3 at 423 and 4 at424, are arranged to affirmatively contact their counterparts in themale connector.

The universal serial bus has emerged as a very widely used standardconnection for computer peripherals and other devices that communicatedata. FIG. 5 illustrates a personal area network implemented withconnections through universal serial bus ports. Laptop computer 101 isshown here hosting scanner 503 and printer 108 as well as cellular phone106 and PDA 105. Cellular phone 106 is shown communicating via thewireless cellular network and PDA 105 is shown communicating with-itshost, laptop 101, via cradle 301 and its associated cable 303.

Note that, in FIG. 5, even though cellular phone 106 is communicatingthrough the wireless cellular network, it is connected to laptopcomputer 101 via cable 500. In this illustration, cellular phone 106 isenabled to accept a recharge of its battery via a universal serial bussupplied by laptop 101. Laptop computer 101 receives utility power viapower cable 111. Communication by laptop 101 with printer 108 is byprinter cable 510 and with scanner 503 is by communication cable 511.Universal serial bus communication is capable of replacing each of thesecommunication standard cables.

FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Anaccessory recharging apparatus 600 connects to power and data in a hostdevice, such as a computer, through male universal serial bus connector601 and cable 603. Recharging apparatus 600 also has a plurality offemale universal serial bus connectors 602, each one being capable ofsupplying recharging power to a device enabled to be recharged in suchfashion. Recharging apparatus 600 is also enabled to provide universalserial bus data communication between a host device and data-enableddevices coupled to it through the universal serial bus connectors ofapparatus 600. Note that receiving power directly from a host devicesuch as a laptop computer can allow the host device to share its batterypower with the receiving device when the need arises.

FIG. 6B illustrates another implementation of this embodiment of thepresent invention wherein recharging apparatus 600 receives power forrecharging battery powered devices through utility power plug 604. Thisimplementation of the present embodiment also shows male universalserial bus connector 601. This implementation is capable of chargingmore power-demanding devices than if it were limited to drawing powerdirectly from a host device. Data communication is enabled via maleuniversal serial bus connector 601 and the female universal serial busconnectors 602.

Note that in this discussion of an embodiment of the present invention,reference is made to apparatus 600 by several terms. It is calledvariously a charging apparatus, a recharging apparatus, a chargingaccessory, a transformer, a transformer/hub and other names that allrefer to the same device. The variety of names are not used to indicatea difference of embodiment or capability but are used to more correctlyindicate the function in the instant discussion of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates one implementation of the internal components in thisembodiment of the present invention. Charging accessory 600 comprises ahousing that has multiple female universal serial bus connectors 602mounted to it. Coupled to the connectors is circuit module 702 which isconnected to transformer 703 and universal serial bus cable 603. Maleuniversal serial bus connector 601 is connected to universal serial buscable 603 as shown also in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Utility power connector 604provides utility power to transformer 703.

Circuitry within this implementation of apparatus 600, illustrated inFIG. 7 as module 702, is capable of controlling the recharging ofmultiple battery-powered devices simultaneously. It is noted here that,though recharging apparatus 600 is shown here in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 as acubic shape, the illustrated form factor is not limited to that. Theremany different shapes and sizes that are amenable to implementation inthe function of recharging battery powered devices via universal serialbus connectors. The interior arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is also notmeant to limit the arrangements in various implementations of thisembodiment nor that of other embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates one use of recharging apparatus 600. Rechargingapparatus 600 is shown connected to laptop computer 101, scanner 503,printer 108 and cellular phone 106. Each of these connections is by auniversal serial bus cable 500 or, in the case of laptop 101, universalserial bus cable 603. Recharging apparatus 600 receives power fromlaptop 101 via cable 603 and supplies power to the other devices viauniversal serial bus cables 500. In the implementation shown, rechargingapparatus 600 is enabled as a hub to personal area network 800,comprising laptop 101 and peripherals 503 and 504. In this use, cellularphone 106 could be enabled as a cellular modem, supplying wirelessinternet connection to the personal area network and communicating withthe personal area network 800 through cable 500 and charging hub 600.Also shown in FIG. 8 is PDA 105 communicating with laptop 101 throughcradle 301 and associated serial cable 303. In FIG. 8, PDA 105 is notshown taking power via charging accessory 600. Note that, although theterm “personal area network” is commonly applied to a small wirelessnetwork, it is used here to illustrate the connectedness of the devicesshown in communication with each other which are inter-linked by cableconnections.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless personal area network that comprisesbattery powered devices that include laptop computer 101, cellular phone106, scanner 503 and printer 108 that all receive power from rechargingapparatus 600 via universal serial bus cables 500. The wireless datacommunication that is inherent in a wireless personal area network iswith wireless server 814 via connection 815. A wireless server such asserver 814 could also provide connection with internet 813. Chargingapparatus 600 receives utility power through utility power connector 604and, again, controls the output power to the appropriate levels for eachof the devices receiving power from it. In this implementation,recharging apparatus 600 is not utilized to provide data communicationservices even though it is capable of such communication. As in FIG. 8,PDA is shown in wired communication with laptop 101 through cradle 301.

Also shown in FIG. 9 as being connected to recharging apparatus 600 isbattery-powered device 504, an electric shaver. Shaver 504 is shown asan exemplary non-data-enabled device that can also be powered and haveits batteries recharged via a universal serial bus connection throughrecharging apparatus 600. If recharging apparatus 600 is enabled as inFIG. 8 as the data hub and power supply for all the battery-powereddevices shown, non-data devices such as shaver 504 can be still berecharged simultaneously with data operation in a personal area networksuch as that shown at 800.

Recharging apparatus 600 is used to provide data communication in FIG.10 where recharging apparatus 600 is implemented as the data and powerhub for a wired network similar to that shown in FIG. 8. Here, however,recharging apparatus 600 also provides the communications link to server814 via a universal serial bus cable, 1001. Recharging apparatus 600provides data communication and power via universal serial bus cables500 to voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) telephone 1002, laptopcomputer 101, scanner 503 and printer 108. As in FIG. 9, rechargingapparatus 600 receives utility power via utility power connector 604.Also as in FIG. 9, as well as in FIG. 8, PDA 105 is shown in wiredcommunication with laptop 101 through cradle 301.

FIG. 11 is a block flow diagram that illustrates the process ofrecharging battery powered devices as discussed above. Process 1100begins by providing electrical power at 1110 to the recharging apparatusequipped with universal serial bus connectors. A battery powered deviceneeding recharging is connected to a universal serial bus connector onthe recharging apparatus at 1120. Electrical power for recharging thebattery powered device is supplied at 1130 and controlled to appropriaterecharging levels at 1140. If it is intended that the device receivingrecharging power also requires data communication, 1150, communicationis enabled at 1160. The recharging process continues, 1170, then endingwhen no longer required, 1199, whether or not data communicationcontinues.

The embodiment of the present invention discussed in this detaileddescription enables the user to reduce his or her electronic equipmentneeds significantly by requiring only one device to recharge a possiblemultitude of battery powered devices. While users who travel frequentlyare expected to be benefited most by this embodiment, the non-travelinguser can also reduce office clutter be reducing to one the number ofpower supply units required in the wirelessly enabled workplace. Whileform factors, numbers of devices serviced and other factors can varywidely between conceivable embodiments, all share the ability to supplybattery-recharge-level power to multiple devices and to enable datacommunication between those devices via the universal serial busprotocol.

It must also be noted here that data communication is not necessarywithin this embodiment. Multiple non-data-enabled devices, such as theelectric shaver 504 discussed above, are capable of receiving power andrecharging batteries by use of this embodiment. All that is required isthat these devices be enabled to accept electrical power by way of auniversal serial bus connector.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. An electronic charging apparatus, comprising: a housing; an electricpower source connector coupled to said housing; an electronic circuitenclosed in said housing and coupled to said electric power sourceconnector; and a plurality of universal serial bus connectors coupled tosaid housing, wherein said connectors are operable to supply electricalpower to electronic devices and wherein said electronic circuit isenabled to control recharging of batteries of said electronic devices.2. An electronic charging apparatus as described in claim 1, whereinsaid electric power source connector is a utility power plug.
 3. Anelectronic charging apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein saidelectric power source connector is a male universal serial busconnector.
 4. An electronic charging apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein said plurality of universal serial bus connectors are femaleuniversal serial bus connectors.
 5. An electronic charging apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein said electronic circuit comprises anelectronic data hub.
 6. An electronic charging apparatus as described inclaim 1, wherein said electronic circuit is operable to control therecharging of multiple battery-powered devices.
 7. An electroniccharging apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein said multiplebattery-powered devices comprise computing devices.
 8. A method forcharging battery-powered devices, comprising: providing electrical powerto an electronic charging apparatus comprising a plurality of universalserial bus connectors; coupling said battery-powered deviceselectronically to respective universal serial bus connectors of saidelectronic charging apparatus; supplying electrical power for chargingsaid battery-powered devices from an electrical power source via saiduniversal serial bus connectors; and controlling said electrical powerfor charging to an appropriate power level by means of circuitryresident in said electronic charging apparatus.
 9. A method as describedin claim 8, further comprising communicating data between saidbattery-powered devices over said universal serial bus connectors.
 10. Amethod as described in claim 8, wherein said electrical power source isa utility power outlet.
 11. A method as described in claim 8, whereinelectrical power from said electrical power source is utility power. 12.A method as described in claim 8, wherein said electrical power sourceis a universal serial bus port.
 13. A method as described in claim 8,wherein electrical power from said electrical power source is computerbus power.
 14. A system for charging a rechargeable battery-poweredportable electronic device, comprising: an electrical power source; anelectronic charging apparatus for electrically coupling with saidelectrical power source and comprising a pluralty of universal serialbus connectors, said electronic charging apparatus for supplying batterycharging power; a cable electrically coupled with said electroniccharging apparatus and for accepting power from one of said plurality ofuniversal serial bus connectors; and, a rechargeable battery-poweredportable electronic device electrically coupled with said cable, whereinsaid battery-powered portable electronic device is enabled to acceptsaid battery charging power from said electronic charging apparatus bysaid universal serial bus connector.
 15. A system as described in claim14, further comprising a computer network.
 16. A system as described inclaim 14 wherein said electrical power source is a utility power outlet.17. A system as described in claim 14 wherein said electrical powersource is a computer.
 18. A system as described in claim 14, whereinsaid battery charging power is at a universal serial bus voltage.
 19. Asystem as described in claim 14, wherein said battery-powered portableelectronic device is a laptop computer.
 20. A system as described inclaim 14, wherein said battery-powered portable electronic device is acomputer peripheral device.
 21. A system as described in claim 14,wherein said electronic charging apparatus is enabled to communicatedata between said plurality of universal serial bus connectors.
 22. Asystem as described in claim 14, wherein said electronic chargingapparatus is a computer network hub.
 23. An electronic chargingapparatus, comprising: an enclosure; an electric power source connectorcoupled to said enclosure; an electronic circuit enclosed in saidenclosure and coupled to said electric power source connector, whereinsaid electronic circuit is enabled to control recharging of abattery-powered device; and a universal serial bus connector coupled tosaid enclosure, wherein said universal serial bus connector is operableto supply electrical power to said battery-powered device.
 24. Theelectronic charging apparatus of claim 23, wherein said electric powersource connector is a utility power plug.
 25. The electronic chargingapparatus of claim 23, wherein said electric power source connector is amale universal serial bus connector.
 26. The electronic chargingapparatus of claim 23, wherein said electronic circuit is operable tocontrol recharging of a battery of an electronic device.
 27. Theelectronic charging apparatus of claim 23, wherein said universal serialbus connector is a female universal serial bus connector.
 28. Theelectronic charging apparatus of claim 23, wherein said electroniccircuit comprises an electronic data hub.
 29. The electronic chargingapparatus of claim 23, wherein said battery-powered device comprises acomputing device.
 30. A method for charging battery-powered devices,comprising: receiving electrical power for distribution by an electroniccharging apparatus, said electronic charging apparatus comprising atleast one universal serial bus connector for electrically coupling to atleast one battery-powered device; supplying electrical power forcharging said battery-powered device from an electrical power source viasaid universal serial bus connector; and controlling said electricalpower for charging said battery-powered device to an appropriate powerlevel by circuitry resident in said electronic charging apparatus. 31.The method of claim 30, wherein a host device is electrically coupled tosaid electronic charging apparatus and further comprising communicatingdata between said battery-powered device and said host device using saiduniversal serial bus connector.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein saidelectrical power is supplied from a utility power outlet.
 33. The methodof claim 32, wherein said electronic charging apparatus comprises apower connector to receive said electrical power from said outlet.
 34. Asystem for charging a rechargeable battery-powered portable electronicdevice, comprising: an electronic charging enclosure for electricallycoupling with an electrical power source and comprising an electroniccircuit and at least one universal serial bus connector, said electroniccharging enclosure for supplying battery charging power, wherein saidelectronic circuit is enabled to control said battery charging power;and a rechargeable battery-powered electronic device electricallycoupled with said electronic charging enclosure and wherein saidrechargeable battery-powered portable electronic device is enabled toaccept said battery charging power from said electronic chargingenclosure by said at least one universal serial bus connector.
 35. Thesystem of claim 34 further comprising a cable electrically coupled withsaid electronic charging enclosure and for accepting power from said atleast one universal serial bus connector and wherein said rechargeablebattery-powered electronic device is electrically coupled with saidelectronic charging enclosure via said cable.
 36. The system of claim35, further comprising a computer network.
 37. The system of claim 35,wherein said electrical power source is a utility power outlet.
 38. Thesystem of claim 35, wherein said electrical power source is a computer.39. The system of claim 35, wherein said battery charging power is at auniversal serial bus voltage.
 40. The system of claim 35, wherein saidrechargeable battery-powered electronic device is a laptop computer. 41.The system of claim 35, wherein said rechargeable battery-poweredelectronic device is a portable computer peripheral device.
 42. Thesystem of claim 35, wherein said electronic charging enclosure isenabled to communicate data between said at least one universal serialbus connector and a host computer coupled to said electronic chargingenclosure.
 43. The system of claim 35, wherein said electronic chargingenclosure is a computer network hub.
 44. The system of claim 35, whereinsaid electronic charging enclosure further comprises a connector forcoupling to a host computer.
 45. An apparatus comprising: a housing; anelectrical power source connector for connecting to a source ofelectrical power and coupled to said housing; universal serial busconnector coupled to said housing and electrically coupled to saidelectrical power source connector, said universal serial bus connectoroperable to supply electrical power for recharging a battery; and anelectronic circuit coupled to said universal serial bus connector andsaid electrical power source connector, wherein said electronic circuitis enabled to control said recharging of said battery.
 46. The apparatusof claim 45, wherein said electrical power source connector is a utilitywall outlet connector.
 47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein saidelectrical power source connector is operable to connect with anelectronic transformer.
 48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein saidbattery is disposed within a portable electronic device.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein said universal serial bus connector is afemale style connector.
 50. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein saiduniversal serial bus connector is a male style connector.